Standing the Test of Time: The AMES® Shovel

Posted on
January 1, 2016,
News

One of our oldest shovels

While some may view our shovels as a homeowner’s tool that lives in a garage or tool shed, we see them as an iconic symbol of our heritage. For us, our shovels serve as a reminder to keep pushing strong because of the great impact they have made on the world around us throughout the years. Whether our shovels were used in times of war, to build new paths for transportation, or to construct parts of our country’s infrastructure, they’ve contributed to building America as we know it today and will continue to keep our land strong.

Supporting Our Troops

Entrenching tools used in both World Wars

From creating our country to helping defend it, our shovels have been held in the hands of various troops in different wars. In 1774, Captain John Ames began manufacturing shovels in West Bridgewater, Massachusetts. His timing was pivotal since AMES shovels were used to help efforts during The Revolutionary War. As the nation evolved and entered into The Civil War, President Lincoln commissioned Oakes Ames to supply shovels for the Union Army. During World War I & II, AMES shovels also evolved to better support our troops through the production of entrenching shovels during this era. Even though war tactics changed, our shovels served in protecting our soldiers.

Exploration

When exploration expanded westward, our shovels were there to pave new ways for the brave. During the extent of the Oregon Trail Migration, our shovels helped explorers advance in their journey to discover new parts of America. Throughout the Gold Rush, they were a key tool in helping people work hard to find the treasure they eagerly sought out. Whether people were seeking gold or new land, our shovels helped foster the spirit of exploration.

Explorers digging during the Goldrush.

Improving The Way We Live

As America grew, our systems for living also changed for the better and we had the privilege of helping to transform blueprint plans to living systems throughout the years. Building the Transcontinental Railroad was one of our first roles in establishing a transportation system that helped link the East and West Coasts. Our role in transportation continued as our shovels played a part in helping establish the New York City Subway System. We also had a role in helping to construct the Panama Canal, the Hoover Dam and the Trans Alaska Pipeline. From making it easier for people to visit another part of our nation to helping businesses transport goods long distances, we helped break ground for a brighter future in the way we lived.

Construction of the Transcontinental Railroad

Monumental Reminders

When people travel throughout the U.S., our monuments are essential tourist spots but ultimately serve as reminders of the values that have helped this nation prosper. We play a part in reminding visitors and our citizens of these values through our endeavors in helping install the Statue of Liberty, building the Empire State Building and constructing Mount Rushmore to name a few. Contributing to helping these structures stand tall is an honor for us.

Various phases of installing the Statue of Liberty

Embracing The Future

Reflecting on our past helps us stay excited about the future. Although there are evolving ways to cultivate and construct our land, we consider it our privilege and responsibility to keep the shovel as an essential tool for making visions become a reality.

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